Arsene Wenger: Why Arsenal MUST beat Manchester United to third place

The Gunners currently sit third in the league, two points ahead of United while they also have a game in hand against relegation-threatened Sunderland.

A top-three finish would secure Wenger’s men a Champions League group stage spot.

Arsenal have had to contest a qualifier in six of the last nine seasons and the Frenchman is desperate to avoid the route again, especially given their late finish to the season with the FA Cup final on May 30.

And he admits finishing fourth could have a big impact on his summer transfer plans.

“It’s very important [we avoid a Champions League qualifier]” Wenger said.

STRESSFUL: Arsene Wenger is desperate to avoid a Champions League play-off game [GETTY]

“Not to have that stress over your head from the first day when you start again is vital”

Arsene Wenger

“Not to have that stress over your head from the first day when you start again is vital.

“We know what it means and we know it is always tricky because you can play against teams who are in the middle of their championship when you are in preparation.

“The consequences are always dramatic if you don’t qualify.

“It can make it more difficult to bring players in. They think most of the time that you will play in the Champions League but you are not sure.

“We have to convince them by saying that statistically we have always progressed.”